On a sunny Independence Day last summer, some 500 immigrants from more than 80 countries were ushered in as new U.S. citizens at a Seattle Center ceremony. The two-hour program included official speeches and traditional music and dance performances. Hundreds of hand-held U.S. flags waved through a crowd interspersed with the bright colors of traditional costumes and veterans and officers in military regalia.

In addition to welcoming the newest U.S. citizens, the 27th Annual Naturalization Ceremony honored WSU alumna Helen M. Szablya ('76, foreign languages and literatures) with the 2011 Ethnic Heritage Council Spirit of Liberty Award. The honor is given each year to a naturalized U.S. citizen for outstanding contributions while maintaining his or her ethnic heritage.